The annual Tumaini Festival returned to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa at the weekend with a display of music, dance and culture.
Despite a rocky start on Thursday caused by poor coordination, the three-day event eventually found its rhythm.
After some artists failed to perform on the opening night, Friday brought new energy and excitement and restored confidence among both performers and attendees .
DJs kept the crowd moving from early afternoon, while dancers and artists such as Zouma Boy, Full Swagger, Miss Dance and Maestros warmed up the stage with lively performances that set the tone for the evening.
Away from the main stage, some festival goers enjoyed a film screening of We Name Ourselves, a documentary about the festival last year, showcasing the power of art to transform and connect communities.
As the sun set, the atmosphere grew electric when a line-up of Malawian artists took over the live performances.
Jay Jay Cee kicked off the musical showdown with energy and charisma which thrilled fans during the evening.
He was immediately joined by surprise guests Avokado and Wikise, whose impromptu performances sent the crowd into a frenzy as they sang along to fan favourite songs.
Singer Joe Kellz followed with a set which had fans on their feet before Raven Dutchess and Chizmo Sting carried the momentum forward with their sounds. Chizmo’s dancehall set had fans chanting in excitement.
Sean Morgan later took the stage and as the beats intensified, he also surprised fans by bringing on stage Maovololo, which only amplified cheers at the venue.
Closing the evening in style, Saint Realest, the Una hitmaker, sealed the show with another good performance of fan favourites, including Ndivailira, Pillow, Falling and Delilah, leaving the audience begging for more.
The final day offered a slower pace, but remained a feast for the fans as the camp came alive with the aromas of cuisines from Tanzania, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Malawi.
The conversations that took place in multiple African languages by the camp dwellers portrayed a celebration of diversity and unity as the festival progressed.
It was within these mini conversations that it came to light that for many Dzaleka residents, Tumaini Festival is symbol of hope and belonging.
“For many of us at the camp, this is a source of purpose and a symbol of unity, but also just a reminder that despite our differences and the adversities, we can still find joy in the arts and creativity as a community ” said Salim Manirakiza, a Burundian who attended the festival.
Lights dimmed on the final night concluding the festivities with an echo that Tumaini Festival continues to be a platform for all artists in and out of Dzaleka Camp.
